ASTEYA

This is my third blog regarding Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga.

Recall that Patañjali, was an ancient sage, prior to 400 CE, and is known to have authored the famous Yoga Sutras. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali

I first learned about the Eight-Limbs as part of my Yoga Teacher Training in 2011.

Over the last nine years I have learned tried to intertwine Patañjali’s ancient teachings into my own life.

At times it’s not easy since my life style can become ‘BUSY.’ For me it’s a constant awareness to recognize when I’m out of balance and when I’m off center from my true self, my authentic self or my playful self.

I don’t have all the answers and as I’ve mentioned before I am a lifelong student of yoga. This blog is my interpretation of Asteya. You probably have your own interpretation.

Asteya (the 3rd of the Yamas) translates to Non-Stealing or Non-Coveting (Desires)

Sounds simple or maybe not so simple?

Practicing Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga is a helpful way for me to connect to my Spirit. I ask, “Spirit help me to take the next best right step. What does my Soul need to stay on my divine path?”

I’ve heard others, in the yoga community, talk of Asteya as not only stealing of a material item but of stealing/robbing yourself or another person of time, the present moment or inner peace.

Last week I met up with a good friend, Rosa Phoenix, to go for a walk at Forest Park. Rosa and I both enjoy connecting to nature while we walk/hike by slowing down and noticing the flowers, trees, sky, water, colors and or the hummingbirds.

On this particular walk Rosa had with her a small amount of tobacco. This tobacco she frequently uses to remind her to pause and honor the trees. When Rosa stops to send out a prayer and honor the forest she honors the ‘present moment,’ as well.

As Rosa and I walked through Forest Park

https://forestparkconservancy.org/forest-park/

she set the example for me to slow down. We took the time to talk, pray, honor and be with individual trees in the park.

Noticing each tree’s strength, unique character, growth and scars truly gave us a feeling of being grounded. Hugging the trees helped too.

In the moments when we shared ‘SILENCE’ with the trees and with each other this brought me to a deeper sense of being ‘Present.’

Rosa gave me an experience of Asteya by not stealing the ‘Present Moment’ away from me.

In the photo (below) you’ll see a candle that I made at a Vison Candle workshop which Rosa hosted. I use this candle often to remind me to be ‘SILENT’ as to not be robbed of the ‘Present’ moment. I am grateful to know Rosa.

https://www.rosaphoenix.com/

Rosa is a wonderful artist, creative coach, reiki provider and will always be my teacher.

Thankfully, Rosa was kind enough to let me take the remaining tobacco home. That weekend my boyfriend George and I went hiking in the Washington wilderness. The Cape Horn Trail https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-horn is one of our favorites. On this hike our dog Gus made the trek with us.

At the beginning of our hike, George, Gus and I were literally in a snow storm. Though the trail appeared to be slippery I had no fear of hiking because I knew I had a strong support system. The Trees, Gus, George and my Spirit all helped to keep me centered and balanced. (Plus, I was wearing the proper cold weather gear).

Also, we chose to leave our cell phones in the car (great decision - no distractions).

On this hike Gus set the example of how to stay ‘Present.’ George and I had stints where we hiked in ‘SILENCE’ for long periods of time. When we did this the colors became more vivid, the sky more full of life and we knew we were on the right path, our Divine path.

George and I paused a few times just to simply recognize the strength, wisdom and beauty of a particular tree. All the trees had different stories to share, similar to us. Even the trees that were scarred from losing a limb or were once in a fire were magical in their own authentic way.

Occasionally on this hike we’d pause. Pulling out the tobacco and placing a small amount in the palm of our left hand and George and I took turns to say a ‘SILENT’ prayer to the tree, forest and our Spirit. Then with a simple breath the tobacco was carried off to a higher power along with our prayers.

Each experience I had with slowing down in the forest amongst the trees gave me a feeling of connectedness. I felt at ONE with nature. I felt cleansed and recharged.

Therefore, when I returned to my city life I had no need to steal someone else’s happiness, inner peace or energy.

Today, how can you practice the concept of Asteya in your own life? If you find a unique way to practice Asteya please share your story with me.

Be a Flower,

Share your Beauty.

Namaste.

Alicia

@lishvalentyn (instagram)